For succulents to thrive, the soil in which you grow succulents needs to mimic these soil conditions.
What is a Succulent?
Succulents are plants with thick, water-storing leaves and stems that help them grow in arid climates or soil.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
They are drought-tolerant and it is tempting to overwater them.
Succulent Soil Characteristics
All soil mixtures consist of a combination of organic and mineral matter.
Mineral matter, such as clay, silt, and sand, helps to support soil drainage.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Succulents are drought-tolerant plants that do not requireconsistent moisture.
Their potting medium should be:
What’s in Potting Soil for Succulents?
Any succulent soil mixture has three main components: sand, potting mix, and perlite or pumice.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
The exact ratio of these three ingredients can vary depending on the throw in of succulent and personal preference.
As you get more comfortable with your succulent and its unique needs, experiment with this ratio as desired.
If using porous pots such as terra-cotta, opt for a less gritty mixture.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Pack the soil just enough to allow water to filter through it easily.
Coarse Sand
Sand is a key ingredient of any succulent soil mix.
It helps to improve drainage and aeration and provides the grainy texture that succulents need.
Play sand is fine sand that compacts when wet.
All-purpose sand has a medium to coarse grit for optimal drainage.
Choose a well-draining potting mix.
If the following issues arise, it may be an indication that your succulent soil mix needs amending.
Soil compaction is relatively rare in succulent soil if the mixture is formulated correctly.
If the soil is compacted, it is usually best to repot your succulent with a new potting medium.
Especially excess nitrogen causes problems.
Succulents do not require a lot of nutrients.
Amend the soil with additional sand and perlite to reduce the percentage of organic matter in the mixture.
First, add sand or pebbles to the bottom of a pot.
Next, add a layer of soil.
The difference between succulent mix and potting mix is a matter of drainage.
Succulents do best in slightly acidic soil with apH between 6.0 and 7.0.
